Kukla's Korner Hockey

I was talking to Los Angeles captain Dustin Brown before the game, and asked him about the Calgary Flames defense, one that I consider the best in the league (or at least I did until that Chicago meltdown). Brown made an interesting comment.

“For me, Calgary’s defense - I don’t mind as much as a Nick Lidstrom,” Brown told SportingNews.com. “A physical confrontation is okay, if I have to chase the puck all night, that’s when it gets frustrating.”

It’s not as flashy is a big Dion Phaneuf hit, but Lidstrom can drive opponents crazy by making them chase the puck all night.

“He can,” Brown said. “He’s good with his stick. He’s incredibly smart on the ice and that’s tough to play against.”